Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
Daniel Frank Pullum was born in Niles, MI on May 30, 1951 and passed away at Center for Hospice Esther’s House in Elkhart, IN on April 19, 2026 at the age of 74.
Daniel married Patricia (Gemmer) Pullum on August 24, 1985. They met when Patty was looking to buy a new car. Dan was a salesman at the car dealership where Patty went to buy a car. Patty got a good deal! She got the car AND the salesman too! They had many happy times with fun activities when they were together. Dan was a scuba diver and took many trips to resorts and islands where he could dive. They enjoyed several snowmobiling trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They enjoyed cruises and had the pleasure of going on one with Patty’s parents. Dan and Patty each received their Concealed Weapons Permits after completing the course that they took together. Many exciting and adventurous miles were put on their Harley Davidson Trike both in Florida during the winter and at home in the summer.
Dan enjoyed outdoor activities at his home on Diamond Lake for thirty years. He liked entertaining and having friends and family visit for fishing, waterskiing, swimming and riding on the pontoon. Dan was very sociable and loved having parties, especially the 4th of July parties watching the fireworks as they exploded in the air shot off from across the lake with the gorgeous reflection on the lake waters. Dan was a great master of cooking on the grill, and he found happiness in preparing and sharing food with the people he loved. He was exceptionally good at making pulled pork.
Dan challenged himself with his woodworking skills. He won 1st place at the World’s Fair when he was in junior high school. Being a ‘snowbird’ and camping in a fifth wheeler at Ramblers Rest Resort in Venice, FL., he joined the Woodworking Club where he spent many hours and acquired friendships with other creative woodworkers as they shared knowledge, skills and ideas. Dan embraced life with enthusiasm and a deep appreciation for the things that brought him joy.
Among Dan’s experiences with being a car salesman, he also spent some years being a manager at a couple of dealerships, experiences at being an Auto Parts and Service Manager, and later owned Car Company Auto Sales and Service in Mishawaka, IN. His business was more than a livelihood, it was a reflection of the pride he took in serving others and he built a reputation through dedication, integrity and a strong work ethic.
Dan owned the Donut Shop in Mishawaka, IN as well as being the breakfast chef. After retirement, he worked for the Michigan Department of Resources at the Diamond Lake entrance gate. Those who knew Dan throughout his career will remember his straightforward manner, his sense of responsibility and respect that he earned over the years.
Dan’s parents preceded him in death, William Frank Pullum and Eva Marie (Ellcey) Pullum. His sister Vickie Bennett preceded him in death on Christmas Day, 2025. Surviving siblings are his sisters Carol Ferguson of Lafayette, Sheila Pullum of Niles and a brother Michael (Julie) Pullum of Granger.
Dan’s family and his wife, Patty, will remember Dan with love, gratitude for the memories they shared, time spent together, and value his sense of humor, laughter, conversations, and through the good times and hard challenges they went through together. Dan’s presence brought comfort, steadiness, and love for his family and his friends were evident in all he did. Dan was a loyal friend and someone who made life better just by simply being a part of it.
Funeral Services for Dan will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, April 27, 2026 at Palmer Funeral Homes-Welsheimer North Chapel 17033 Cleveland Rd. South Bend, IN 46635. Friends may visit with family from 11:00 am-1:00 pm at the funeral home prior to services. Online condolences may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
In Lieu of flowers: Prayers for his soul and the soul of the person speaking the prayer.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.